My 6 year old pig dragging his back legs

[Suzyq]

Hey I haven’t posted on here for ages. But I’m looking for some advice my 6 year old boar Charlie started dragging his back legs a week ago I took him to the vet the following day & he was given metacam & I was told there was no sign of injury or arthritis.
I also read on here about osteocare so I bought some & gave him 2mls for 2 days & 1ml for the next 3 days.
Ive also been massaging his legs & feet gently about 3 times a day.
but he doesn’t seem to be any better,he can get around the cage by kind of pulling himself along & he’s still eating plenty. But I’m just worried I’m hanging on to him when I should make the decision to let him go.
has anyone else had this issue & could it just be it could take longer for him to get back his legs I don’t want him to be suffering.

 

[Siikibam]

Sorry to hear he’s having trouble with mobility. What did the vet day you should do if he doesn’t show any improvement? Is your vet experienced with treating guinea pigs?
Ill tag @Wiebke @VickiA

 

[Suzyq]

He didn’t really say a lot to be honest I’ve been seeing the same vet for years & they are normally really good but with things the way they are with coronavirus I didn’t even speak to him just to the nurse.
I tried calling them today to try & speak to the vet but he was busy & he’s just given him more metacam. Charlie still seems bright & eager to eat his hay & vegetables so I don’t want to give up on him but I just don’t know what to do.

 

[Merab]

Sorry about your boy.
It is difficult at the moment with not being able to go inland actually talk to a vet face to face.
Hope Charlie picks up soon.
Holding you in my thoughts.

 

[Wiebke]

Hey I haven’t posted on here for ages. But I’m looking for some advice my 6 year old boar Charlie started dragging his back legs a week ago I took him to the vet the following day & he was given metacam & I was told there was no sign of injury or arthritis.
I also read on here about osteocare so I bought some & gave him 2mls for 2 days & 1ml for the next 3 days.
Ive also been massaging his legs & feet gently about 3 times a day.
but he doesn’t seem to be any better,he can get around the cage by kind of pulling himself along & he’s still eating plenty. But I’m just worried I’m hanging on to him when I should make the decision to let him go.
has anyone else had this issue & could it just be it could take longer for him to get back his legs I don’t want him to be suffering.

Hi!

Here is a guide about guinea pigs with mobility issues, which will hopefully help you: Looking after guinea pigs with limited or no mobility

All the best! Loss of use of back legs is not at all uncommon. In most cases mobility will eventually come back.

 

[Betsy]

Just over a year ago my Christian was dragging his back legs. He looked like this.

The vet prescribed him a very high dose of Metacam and after a chat with John Chitty (Guinea pig vet locally) discovered he had arthritis in his spine. I have now mangaged to reduce his Metacam. Not saying that your piggie has the same (obviously as I am not a vet) but it may be something to consider.

 

[Suzyq]

Hi!

Here is a guide about guinea pigs with mobility issues, which will hopefully help you: Looking after guinea pigs with limited or no mobility

All the best! Loss of use of back legs is not at all uncommon. In most cases mobility will eventually come back.

Hi!

Here is a guide about guinea pigs with mobility issues, which will hopefully help you: Looking after guinea pigs with limited or no mobility

All the best! Loss of use of back legs is not at all uncommon. In most cases mobility will eventually come back.

Thank you so much
I’m trying to stay hopeful it’s just hard to see him struggle to walk x

 

[David Piggie Lover]

I had a piggie Cocoa who had a bad walk and later ended up with cancer she was a super star. Main thing we did was allow acess to food water hay. She dragged herself alone . . Course she had regular visits to vet who kept us informed if she was in pain or naturally not enjoying life.
What was important is not me wanting to keep her alive but her quality of life. . Fine line but piggies come 1st.

 

[Suzyq]

Thanks for your message this is it he does still have quality of life I would say he enjoys his food & is still managing to get around & spend time with his cage mate Teddy he doesn’t seem to be in lots of pain when I pick him up & massage his legs he doesn’t cry out he seems to like it. I’m constantly monitoring him because I’m not working at the moment.

 

[Suzyq]

Does anyone think I should continue with the osteocare? He’s had it for 5 days just worried about stones

 

[Claire W]

I’m afraid I can’t advise but I hope your little piggy is feeling better soon x

 

[Suzyq]

This is what he looks like so it like he can’t put weight on one of his legs so he twist to one side he can move both legs but just can’t seem to bear weight them xx

 

[Suzyq]

Don’t judge the mess I’m cleaning them out now !

 

[Siikibam]

Have you been able to get a vet appointment?

We know they can be messy. As soon as you clean they’ve pooped everywhere!

 

[Suzyq]

Have you been able to get a vet appointment?

We know they can be messy. As soon as you clean they’ve pooped everywhere!

Yes he’s been to the vet but didn’t really give me anything conclusive

 

[Siikibam]

I guess it may be a case of wait and see. Fingers crossed he gets back full
Mobility.

 

[Suzyq]

I guess it may be a case of wait and see. Fingers crossed he gets back full
Mobility.

Yes I’m just not very good at wait & see

 

[dalia.osorio12]

How’s the little guy? Mines going thru the same thing and I don’t know that to do

 

[Betsy]

How’s the little guy? Mines going thru the same thing and I don’t know that to do

Sorry to hear you're piggy is having problems. It would be best if you start your own thread about it then more members will see it.